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Pellegrini still looking for defensive reinforcements

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini revealed he could still be in the market for a new centre-back after their friendly loss to Arsenal.

City were beaten 3-1 by the Gunners in Helsinki on Saturday in a subdued affair that failed to reach any great heights.

Despite last week saying he had 'the best squad in England', Pellegrini is concerned about shoring up the central defensive post with Matija Nastasic still struggling with an ankle injury.

"We'll see next week if I can bring in the player we need," Pellegrini said.

"If not, we have in our squad the way to resolve that problem. We had some problems defensively and we will work on that."

"It wasn't the best way to finish pre-season. I'm always concerned when we're losing 3-0 but we just a lost a game in pre-season, we didn't lose three points and that's important for me."

Pellegrini insisted the lopsided scoreline was not indicative of his side's efforts during the match and, despite losing four matches over the pre-season, the Chilean feels he is beginning to leave his imprint on the side.

"The score didn't reflect what happened during the match. We had chances but didn't score. Arsenal had three or four chances in the whole match and scored three," the former Malaga head coach said.

"It was the pre-season I thought we would have. We are changing a lot of things, we're starting a new cycle with a different style of players. It's normal that the team will make mistakes.

"Of course the expectation is too much and that's a good thing. We all have expectations and are hopeful for the new season.

"When you make a lot of changes you need time but I'm sure we will improve the little things we have to in the next 10 days."